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Press release

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (12 May) commented on the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) report: Outcomes of Access Agreement Monitoring for 2014-15.

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“We welcome this report which confirms that modern universities are not only a popular choice for students but are also the standard bearers for access to high quality higher education.

“Almost three quarters of the students studying at modern universities are from areas with lower levels of participation. Two thirds of their students come from lower income households and 60% of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students study at a modern university.

“We strongly support the Prime Minister’s social mobility targets but they will not be reached unless the government recognises that part-time and mature students have been deterred by the current funding system. OFFA is right to urge universities to do more for these students but it takes two to tango and Ministers must do more.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

MillionPlus is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk

The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is an independent, non-departmental public body established under the Higher Education Act 2004 to help promote and safeguard fair access to higher education for people from under-represented groups. All English universities and colleges that wish to charge higher fees must make plans to promote and sustain fair access, including outreach (e.g. summer schools, mentoring, after-school tuition, links with schools and colleges in disadvantaged areas), activities to improve retention and success, and financial support such as bursaries and scholarships. The plans are called access agreements and must be agreed with OFFA, which then monitors their implementation.

The Outcomes of Access Agreement Monitoring for 2014-15 report is published on Thursday, 12 May 2016 and can be found here